Reflections on an inspiring week in the travel industry

‘Last week reinforced my belief that the travel industry is one of the best sectors to work in.’

Lucy Dean, Director of Marketing and Communications, TTC

We recently attended two exceptional events: a Travel by B Corp meet-up and the International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum (IWTTF). In this post, Lucy Dean and Eleanor Gibson reflect on both days. 

Travel by B Corp workshop and AGM: Travel is a force for good 

In December 2023, after two years of thorough analysis and evidence collection, we became B Corp certified! Although this was a huge achievement in itself, as an added bonus, we were invited to join Travel by B Corp. This group of B Corp businesses exists to light our collective path towards travel as a force for good. 

This event was a chance to meet other members for a day of interactive workshops and conversations on how we can drive Travel by B Corp forward. With around 20% of global travel B Corps represented in the group, there is huge potential for impactful change. 

It was impossible not to leave feeling positive, empowered, and energised – words repeatedly used during the day to describe our collective enthusiasm and vision for the future.

There’s lots more to come from Travel by B Corp, and we’re proud to be part of it, so watch this space! 

International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum 2024: A hub for inspiration and change

The IWTTF is a prestigious event that fosters learning, communication, education, and development in the travel industry. This forum featured inspiring speakers from senior leaders to grassroots innovators. 

Keynote address: Avivah Wittenberg-Cox

The day began with an impactful keynote by Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, who discussed the implications of an ageing population. She introduced the concept of “four quarters in a lifetime,” highlighting the increasing number of people living to 100. Avivah emphasised the need for greater focus on those in their Q3 (ages 50-75) within the workplace, suggesting this demographic has more time and potential than ever before.

Normalising allyship and mentoring 

The importance of allyship was addressed throughout the day, including a spotlight on the successful growing Women in Travel male allyship programme. Now boasting over 40 members, including TTC Director Martin Alcock, this initiative allows individuals to use allyship as a strategic tool, fostering mutual learning for both mentors and mentees.

One key takeaway from the event was that allyship should be normalised and part of business as usual. Mentor schemes like the Women in Travel allyship programme are as much about the mentor as the mentee, and we should highlight the benefits within our organisations to encourage men and women to take part. 

Focus on accessibility, diversity and inclusion

Nadia Clarke, a passionate disability advocate for accessible travel, delivered an inspiring talk on accessibility in the industry. Her stories underscored the belief that exploring the world should be possible for everyone. This theme continued with a panel discussion on making travel and workplaces inclusive for all abilities—whether physical or invisible—to attract and retain the best talent.

The afternoon sessions delved into diversifying travel. Hellen Nkuraiya, a community leader and women empowerment activist, shared her journey and efforts to help young girls in Kenya access education. This was followed by a panel discussion on “diversifying your travel product” and exploring what it means to travel in today’s world.

Celebrating midlife: AGEnts of change

The forum concluded with an uplifting and humorous discussion titled “AGEnts of Change: Celebrating Midlife through Work and Leisure.” This wrap-up panel echoed Avivah’s earlier insights, emphasising that we can no longer ignore the industry’s ageing population. Women over 50, who possess the most disposable income, deserve focused attention and representation in the workplace.

A lasting impact

IWTTF 2024, the forum’s fourth event, will certainly not be the last. The thought-provoking and inspiring discussions left a lasting impression, encouraging many attendees – both women and men – to bring these conversations back to their workplaces and lead the charge for change. 

If IWTTF wasn’t on your radar before, we recommend adding it to your calendar for next year. You can find out more about the Women in Travel organisation here.

Reflecting on both events, it’s clear the travel industry is evolving towards a more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable future. Travel by B Corp has reinforced our commitment to using travel as a force for good. Meanwhile, the IWTTF provided invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities in our industry, highlighting the importance of allyship, diversity and inclusion. We’re proud to play a part in helping improve the travel sector and encourage you to find out more about both organisations. 

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